Front subframe .

[Roosey79]

Is the subframe joint on my citroen c5 2009 x7 mark111 meant to be even or its not a problem.

[mickthemaverick]

I'm not quite sure what you mean?

[Roosey79]

I have clunking sounds coming from front end when driving over bumps. Is it normal for the two joints in the picture subframe to be uneven bolts not seating properly. Could this cause clunking sounds from front suspension. my mechanic saying its normal for uneven joint in picture.

[Roosey79]

I have had 3 sets of after market shocks fail. Is there meant to be any play in the front suspension strut when it's lifted. I can hold the top of strut spheres and wobble it's has a lot of play. Can failed top mount struts cause the clunking sound in side the schocks. Mine has both sides now doing it.

[PaulC5]

Does your car have hydractive suspension or shock absorbers and coil springs ? Which engine does it have and what trim level ?

[Stickyfinger]

They (bolts) look loose.....it looks like they have been worked on recently.....that would knock I think.

[PaulC5]

If I have the right bolts they should be done up to 65 Nm whether hydractive or shock absorbers and coil springs. From the ETAI Review Technique manual for the C5 X7.

[KennyW]

These bolts have a collar which fits into the subframe hole. There would be a small gap btn the bolts and the frame, if not seated correctly.

Kenny

[Roosey79]

Good morning gents. Paulc5 it has the hydractive 3. Was told 100 nm Stickyfinger it's had work done with struts. spheres replaced struts.i though it Dident look right my mechanic saying its ok. Kenny I don't understand. In side the frame you mean.. should I loosen the bolts alighn the joint so it's level.or leave it. My mechanic saying its the struts need replacing. Again spent over 5k on this suspension.

[KennyW]

If you are going to replace hydraulic struts again,you can check the bolts then, don't do any extra work.

Those bolts (photographs) are meant to be as per your photo but if somebody else has been fiddling with them and seated the bolts incorrectly there will be a small gap between the bolt and subframe. The bolts screw into nuts weld into the subframe.

I've had these bolts out several times when wrestling with the infamous steering rack removal and fitting (3 times on my C5 x 7).

I hope that clarifies things.

Kenny

[Roosey79]

Morning guys. Thanks Kenny for reply. My mark111 has loose nuts on the back of the subframe I have to use two spanners at the same time to tighten them. Its a prick to get to. I don't think mine has nuts inside the frame. Does there meant to be a collar inside the frame to guide the bolts straight through till they come out side then tighten the nuts on the back. I had to replace 1 bolt it broke of when tighten it. I was even using torque wrench at recomend settings torque. 100 nm.? Or 110nm. The bolts inside are loose when sliding through the frame dosent feel.loke anything guide it. Any help.much appreciate. Trying to attach.a picture with my frame.

[Roosey79]

This frame.

.

[KennyW]

I never had to touch those bolts when removing the front sub-frame so can't comment, no idea of there purpose.

I may have made a mistake in my previous entry the nuts are not welded to the sub-frame.

I'm doing this all from memory so apologies.

Kenny

[Roosey79]

All good,Kenny. I just trying to see if that could make the clunking sounds. My mechanic says its the shocks doing the clunking. The top strut collapse in side and move and clunking.. justbwant a second opinion before in putting in another set of shocks. When the car is raised and in the high setting I can literally grab the shock top the pshere it wobbles and a lot of play. Can actually turt the shock about 10mm each way. Any idea howvincan find out how to see if the sounds from struts or subframe.

[KennyW]

I have replaced the struts before, twice on nearside for LDS leaking from strut but never anything you describe. Have you the top strut mounts ?
Otherwise I'm at a loss what is causing your problem.

Kenny